Page 5 of The Game Changer

“We’re cautiously optimistic about adding to our family. Now I just need you to settle down and give me a niece or nephew or two.”

“I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon, so don’t be holding your breath on that one.”

“Oh, come on, if you retire, you’ll have lots of extra time on your hands to get out and date.”

“Too soon, Cin, too soon.”

“Sorry, that was a little bitchy of me to say,” she says with a laugh. “Must be early pregnancy hormones already kicking in.” She tries to joke to lighten up her words. They kind of cut deep, but she isn’t wrong. With retirement looming over my head, maybe it is time to settle down with someone and start a family of my own. “I should probably get going. Steph and Mason should be back anytime now, and then we’re headed out to dinner with some friends.”

“Sounds good, give them my love, and have Mason FaceTime me sometime this weekend. I miss his chubby little face.”

“Will do, love you.”

“Love you, too.” I hit the end button on my phone, leaving it on my chest. I lay out on the couch, crossing my ankles and resting them on one end with my head on the pillow at the other end. I close my eyes and nod off for a short afternoon nap that turns into a much longer one than I thought I’d take. I jolt awake when my phone starts buzzing on my chest. I look at the screen and see a text message from Jill.

Jill: How are you doing? Make it home okay earlier?

John: I’m much better, I just woke up from a little afternoon nap. Thanks again for your help today.

Jill: Anytime. I’m sorry again for the news that you received today.

John: It was a tough pill to swallow, that’s for sure. But I’m sure it will all sink in after a few weeks. My sister wants me to find someone to talk to about everything.

Jill: That’s probably smart. What you’re going through is life-changing. If you retire, will you move back home?

Jill’s question hits me. I hadn’t even thought about what I’d do after retiring or where I’d live. I’ve called Indianapolis home for so long that I guess I just always assumed I’d live here. Although, the thought of moving back to St. Louis and being around my family all the time doesn’t sound half bad. I usually go home for a few weeks every summer, but with all my concussion issues this postseason, I stayed here for treatment and to just lay low until things hopefully get better.

John: No clue to be honest with you. Retirement wasn’t on my radar, so I hadn’t really started to think about it. I love it here and have called Indy home for so long now that I’m not sure if I’d leave. The majority of my good friends are here, my current job is here. I don’t know, maybe I can get an office job with the Eagles or put my college degree to good use and help them with stats.

Jill: I’m sure that you’ll find something amazing.

John: Can I ask you a random and spontaneous question?

Jill: Sure

John: Do you have dinner plans tonight?

Jill: Nope. Just some leftovers in my fridge that I don’t really want to eat. Why?

John: Go to dinner with me?

Jill: Why, John, are you asking me out on a date? {winky face}

John: I guess I am.

Jill: I’d love to.

John: Give me twenty-five minutes, and I’ll pick you up, does that work for you?

Jill: Sure! Do you need my address?

John: Nope, I still have it from that event we were at together with Julia and Beckett.

Jill: Then I guess I’ll see you in about a half-hour.

I stand, thankful to not be seeing spots after standing up a little fast. I also didn’t have a dizzy spell I sometimes get after lying down. Going from horizontal to vertical is sometimes just as bad as the bright sun is.

I hit up the bathroom, running a comb through my hair before I brush my teeth quickly. I can only imagine how rank my breath was since I never brushed after losing my stomach content in that trash can earlier. I stop in my bedroom and pull out a clean shirt, changing quickly, and then head out to my truck.

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